| Radio control hobbyists frequently use RC simulator | | | | is not included with the cost of the software. |
| software to practice flying helicopters and planes | | | | 3. Heli-X. This java-based RC simulator is designed |
| before trying to fly new models in the field. Radio | | | | specifically for helicopters. The cost is 49 Euros, or |
| controlled helicopters and airplanes are tough enough | | | | $66.67 US. (The software was free in an earlier |
| to take some bumps, but-like full size vehicles used to | | | | version, but not anymore. Version 0.9 can still be |
| ferry people-they can be severely damaged in harsh | | | | downloaded without charge.) It is one of only a very |
| crashes. Thus, new pilots are often advised to practice | | | | few RC simulators available for Macintosh OSX |
| simulator flying first to get the hang of a bird's general | | | | (64-bit Intel processors) and it also runs on Linux and |
| handling characteristics. An RC simulator is also handy | | | | Windows systems. Heli-X requires an OpenGL |
| to have when the weather prohibits outdoor flying. | | | | compatible graphics adapter and a USB joystick |
| Pilots have several major options for flight simulator | | | | controller such as the Esky 0905A. This is an obvious |
| packages. In order of increasing cost, we have: | | | | choice if you want to simulate helicopters on a Mac, |
| 1. FMS. This is a free package available through the | | | | but it is not a good choice for planes or gliders since it |
| internet for Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP systems. It | | | | does not include any plane or glider models. Heli-X |
| allows you to fly a variety of radio controlled | | | | currently offers cargo training as well, which is a fun |
| helicopters and planes using a keyboard or other | | | | feature to have. This allows some game-like |
| controller, either a gamepad or a USB port device like | | | | functionality since you can pick up cargo, transport it, |
| the Esky simulation transmitter which is built to | | | | and drop it off at a designated target location. A |
| resemble a regular RC transmitter. Most of the | | | | drawback to the package is that models for FMS |
| available models are planes. One main drawback to | | | | cannot be incorporated directly into Heli-X, since Heli-X |
| FMS (Flight Model Simulator) is that it is not available | | | | uses wavefront format models. |
| for Windows Vista, Windows 7, or OSX. A second | | | | 4. Reflex XTR. This package has versions available |
| drawback for simulating helicopters is that the ground | | | | for Windows XP and Vista computers and is designed |
| effect is not reproduced very well in FMS. The primary | | | | to be controlled by a radio transmitter. The RC |
| advantage of FMS, of course, is that is a very good | | | | simulator is a very solid general purpose package that |
| way to get started to learn orientation and basic flying. | | | | includes models for helicopters, planes, and gliders. This |
| This is particularly true if you are not certain whether | | | | software does not provide support for a gamepad, as |
| flying radio controlled toys is something you will really | | | | Clearview and FMS do. Graphics for Reflex XTR are |
| enjoy and you don't want to invest much in a simulator. | | | | top of the line in RC simulation and it is an excellent |
| The graphics are not that attractive when compared | | | | helicopter simulator, including good modeling of ground |
| to other packages, but the basic functionality is there | | | | effect. Unfortunately, it does not yet include water |
| and the price certainly cannot be beaten. FMS is | | | | takeoffs or landings. The Reflex RTR package |
| definitely a flight simulator and not a game; there are | | | | features training modes, flight recording, and multiple |
| no options for aerial combat or multiple pilot flying. | | | | pilots as does Clearview. The Reflex XTR system |
| 2. Clearview. The Clearview RC simulator costs | | | | currently costs around $200+ US without a controller. |
| approximately $40 (US dollars) and works with | | | | To summarize, there are several good options for RC |
| Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows XP, and | | | | simulator packages. The major factors to consider are, |
| Windows NT. The graphics are definitely improved | | | | of course, price and feature set. Clearview and FMS |
| over FMS. Clearview includes many helicopters, planes, | | | | are general purpose simulators and Clearview is |
| and one glider. Training modes are available to help | | | | probably preferable if you are interested in helicopter |
| you fly in predefined patterns so you can get a feel | | | | simulation. Clearview also offers two useful features, |
| for the controls as quickly as possible. Clearview also | | | | training modes and flight recording, that FMS does not. |
| allows water takeoffs and landings, which many other | | | | Heli-X is newer and is currently the best option for |
| packages do not. Like FMS, it is designed more as a | | | | Macintosh OSX or Linux, but only if you are interested |
| simulator than a game, but does allow multiple pilots to | | | | in flying helicopters. Reflex XTR is superb general |
| fly together. Flight recording is also available. Multiple | | | | purpose simulator for planes, helicopters, or gliders, but |
| pilots, flight recording, water takeoff and landing, and | | | | it is also the most expensive package we've |
| training modes are not available with FMS. A controller | | | | discussed. |